Kay Ivey sworn in as 54th Alabama governor

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Kay Ivey swearing in
[Photo Credit: AP Photo | Butch Dill]

Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey has been sworn in as the 54th Governor of the State of Alabama.

Ivey’s swearing-in comes in the wake of former Gov. Robert Bentley’s resignation less than one hour earlier.

The swearing-in took place at 6 p.m. in the Old Senate Chamber in the Alabama State Capitol, where Ivey became the Yellowhammer State’s second female governor, the first was Lurleen Wallace dating back to 1967. She is also the first Republican female governor of the state.

“Serving as your governor and representing the state of Alabama is no small task, but I pledge to each of you I will do my best,” said Ivey. “The Ivey administration will be open, transparent, and it will be honest.”

The 72-year old has held various state positions since 1982 including state treasurer, a position on the Alabama Commission on Higher Education and the Alabama Development Office.

In 2002, Kay became the first Republican elected State Treasurer since Reconstruction and was re-elected in 2006. As Treasurer, Kay was committed to making the office more open, transparent, and efficient.

She made history yet again in 2010 when she was elected the first Republican woman Lieutenant Governor in Alabama’s history, and repeated the feat when re-elected in 2014.

Ivey released the following statement after the ceremony:

Today is both a dark day for Alabama yet also one of opportunity. I ask for your help and patience as we together steady the Ship of State and improve Alabama’s image. Those are my first priorities as your 54th Governor.

When I took the oath of office in 2011 and then again in 2015, I was prepared for this day, but never desired or expected it. The people of Alabama should know that there will be no disruption in the function of your state government. I will soon meet with the current Finance Director, Cabinet members, Senate and House Leadership as well as Constitutional officers to ensure a smooth changeover.

Despite the challenges we face, today’s transition should be viewed as a positive opportunity. It is a demonstration of our successful practice of the rule of law and the principles of democracy.

Serving as your Governor and representing the State of Alabama is no small task. I pledge to each of you that I will do my best. The Ivey administration will be open, transparent, and honest. My commitment is to serve for the Glory of God and the good of man.

I humbly ask for your prayers and your support, especially over the coming days and weeks. Let us use this opportunity to make Alabama even better and your government more effective.

May God continue to bless sweet home Alabama.